New version of SAS® Curriculum Pathways® available at no cost

Record number of users can enjoy new features; middle school curriculum in development

CARY, NC . – The new version of SAS® Curriculum Pathways®, the online resource for students and teachers, adds new tools and interactive content for the upcoming school year. Available at no cost and used by thousands of educators in all 50 states, SAS Curriculum Pathways provides standards-based content in the core academic disciplines of English, mathematics, social studies, science and Spanish for grades 8-12.

Though SAS offers SAS Curriculum Pathways at no cost, the company’s investment in innovation continues. For example, new social studies materials include an interactive atlas. In math, a new interactive tool helps students develop basic algebra skills. Enhancements to the award-winning Writing Reviser in the English module help students master sentence fundamentals. SAS Curriculum Pathways earned a Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) CODiE Award this year for Best Reading/English Instructional Solution. New Spanish materials help students develop reading and listening skills in real-world situations.

Middle school content is in development, with a pilot program scheduled at select North Carolina schools this fall.

In 2009, the number of SAS Curriculum Pathways account holders has increased more than 31 percent, and Virginia recently entered into an agreement to promote the product’s use statewide.

“With the flexibility of the product, ample professional development options and that fact that it’s available at no cost, more and more schools and teachers are integrating SAS Curriculum Pathways into instruction,” said Bruce Friend, director of SAS Curriculum Pathways. “The online content engages today’s tech-savvy students, which leads to better learning.”

Chemistry teacher Richard Lamb conducted a soon-to-be-published study on the use of SAS Curriculum Pathways in his classroom at Garner (NC) High School.

“SAS Curriculum Pathways as a complement to traditional instruction led to measurable increases in learning, particularly in understanding the most difficult chemistry concepts,” said Lamb. “In addition, it engaged students and sparked discussions that increased their comprehension.”

Aligned with state standards, SAS Curriculum Pathways offers more than 1,000 academic resources including lessons, engaging activities and interactive teaching tools, along with links to over 4,000 academically appropriate Web sites. Designed for wide-ranging classroom environments, technology capabilities and learning styles, the product can be used in one-computer classrooms, virtual schools, small groups and 1-to-1 computing initiatives.